SCENE Participants
MOSAIC is proud to present the cohort members of our Social and Civic Engagement for Newcomers and Immigrants (SCENE) project. Here you will be able to read their stories and learn about their causes and interests.
To get in contact with our cohort members you can find their email and LinkedIn profiles in their bios below. To open their bio, click on the participant’s name.
You can read more about them and their journey in our Presentation Booklet .
For general inquiries contact: scene@mosaicbc.org
SCENE Cohort Members (Munifa Ahmed, Mo Badr, Ouifaq Laissaoui, Antonio Fadda, and Hyeon Woo Do – in order of appearance) present the project and talk about their experience at SFU Radius’ Beyond Borders event at Surrey City Hall, February 2020.
Meet the SCENE 2019 - 2020 Cohort
Causes and Interests: International Organizations, The Environment, Business and Professional Associations
With a degree in Sciences, an MBA and a postgraduate degree in PMI, Adalberto has worked professionally in the areas of information technology and supply chain management in several European and Latin American countries. He believes that in order to break down barriers of progressing in a new country people must learn how to best utilize their skills and transfer their knowledge.
Email: adalbs.mg@gmail.com | LinkedIn Profile
Causes and Interests: Health, Education and Research
Mohammad is passionate about excellence; transforming organizations from strong to superb by empowering and enabling the teams he works with to achieve their full potential. He holds a Master of Management Sciences from the University of Waterloo and is a certified project manager (PMP). Currently working with Fraser Health Authority as a Managing Consultant.
Email: mbadr@yahoo.com | LinkedIn Profile
Causes and Interests: The Environment, Social Services (Youth and Immigrants), Women's Leadership
As a global citizen, Munifa has been exposed to a wealth of different cultures and languages that have increased her awareness and developed her leadership abilities. She has worked in supporting newcomers, and is currently working as a Data Analyst and Marketer. Munifa is building an app that helps employers inspire, measure and leverage their employees actions for positive green change.
Email: munifanasser@gmail.com | LinkedIn Profile
Causes and Interests: Immigrant and Newcomer Communities
For Samir, sharing his experience and giving back to the community is extremely important. Having been a part of the Residents Welfare Association board, he used to work towards improving community-living standards. Counting with an MBA and 13 years of rich experience in the business development and product development domain with financial services and the automotive interest, he is now working as an analyst with Scotiabank.
Email: samirarora82@gmail.com
Causes and Interests: Education and Research, International Organizations, Social Services (Women and Children)
Mila grew up among different cultures and she’s always had a great interest in people, cultures and languages. She has an English Language Teaching Bachelor’s Degree with Honours and has been teaching for 14 years to all age groups. She is a passionate and enthusiastic educator who enjoys reading about history and politics.
Email: cokcansaadet@gmail.com
Causes and Interests: Business and Professional Associations, Administrative Organizations, Education and Research
With a passion for global leadership and education, Hyeonwoo considers himself very lucky to be in a place where people from all over the world can connect with each other. Counting with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Korea University and a Masters in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Vancouver, and 10 years of work experience as an education administrator and instructor he is now looking for ways to give back to our communities in any way he can.
Email: hyeonwoodo@gmail.com
Causes and Interests: Interfaith Dialogue, Politics and Advocacy, Education and Research, Arts and Culture
Antonio has a strong passion for working with people with disabilities and vulnerabilities, and strongly advocates for education that promotes the understanding of human diversity in all its forms. With an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies form UBC and an Masters in history and philosophy of science from La Sapienza University of Rome, he is now looking to orient his professional future to support newcomers in their immigration journeys.
Causes and Interests: Social Services (Women & Immigrants and Newcomers)
With a Ph.D. in Political Science and 29 yeats of teaching experiences as an Associate Professor, Tahereh has developed a passionate interest in Women and Settlement Issues. Having worked as an UNDP expert at the Iranian Metrological Opportunity and being a member of the Women Studies Association in Iran, Tahereh is eager to engage more and use her untiring commitment and drive to bring more dignity to the people from developing countries.
Email: dr_ebra@yahoo.com
Causes and Interests: Newcomers and Immigrants, LGBTQ2+, Education and Research, Business and Professional Associations
Abdollah started his career as a research assistant in the field of HR management at the American University of Sharjah, UAE and joined Pearl Initiative as a project assistant where a culture of accountability and transparency was promoted. Since arriving in Vancouver, he has been actively involved with organizations such as CPHR, MOSAIC and Qmunity and is now a board member at the Vancouver Pride Society.
Email: abdolfoulad@yahoo.com | LinkedIn Profile
Causes and Interests: Health, Social Services, Business and Professional Associations and Unions
Native from Delta State in Nigeria, Israel (B.Sc, ACIA, ACIFIAN, CPA in progress) is currently a student at UBC’s Sauder School of Business. He has 8 years of experience in accounting, bookkeeping and finance. Some of the industries he’s worked with include: oil and gas, retail and distribution, technology, real estate, construction, and non-profit organizations.
Email: golleytega@gmail.com | LinkedIn Profile
Causes and Interests: Disaster Relief
After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology Biochemistry from SFU, Irene began her career at SGS, a global verification and certification company. She then transitioned to the nanotechnology industry where she assists scientists and engineers with process development and materials characterization. She loves volunteer work and the outdoors.
Email: lkjianxin@hotmail.com
Causes and Interests: Capacity Building, Tech for Social Good, Education and Research
Nadia is extremely passionate about creating positive social change and creating positive impact. She is a social activist with a background in social and humanitarian work. She is passionate about seeing a society that is authentic democracy, ecologically sound and economically just. Nadia’s work in refugee camps, field hospitals and working with women fleeing abuse has created a commitment towards social justice.
Email: jarrar.nadia@gmail.com
Causes and Interests: Newcomers and Immigrants, Women, Leadership
Alyaa is a newcomer single mom with 2 teenager kids. She is very passionate about her previous job as an English teacher, and the strong relationships she built. She is responsible, patient, kind, adaptable, organized, trustworthy and humble. She worked with refugees in Turkey with the UNCHR and she wrote their stories and financial needs to take the appropriate steps to support them and meet their needs.
Causes and Interests: Career Counselling, Business and Professional Associations
Amol has a degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering and has been working in the field of software consulting for the past decade. He is passionate about travelling and exploring cultures and cuisines. He consistently works to improve diversity and inclusion practices at his current workplace.
Email: amolsk11@gmail.com
Causes and Interests: International Cooperation, Youth Leadership, the Environment
Ouifaq is a citizen of the world, from the south of Morocco, who makes sure her actions have a positive impact on people around her. She believes that differences need to be treated as a source of richness rather than an issue that needs to be eradicated. She has a Master’s degree in International Business, and aims to help organizations and individuals reach their fullest potential.
Causes and Interests: Career and Employment Counselling, Business and Professional Associations
Ebru was born and raised in Turkey. She has a passion for helping people, and her ability to connect with any age group and people of all communities have fueled her interest in the power of sharing. She has a BSc in Chemistry, and is an accomplished Quality Assurance Manager with over 8 years of experience in various fields.
Email: ebrumerkepci@gmail.com | LinkedIn Profile
Causes and Interests: Families & Children, People with Disabilities, Social Services
Mil holds a Master of Social Work (UBC) with a concentration in children and family and has devoted her life to supporting youth to face the challenges of special needs and helped them to share their stories. Mil is currently studying research methodology at UBC and is passionate about combining research methods with clinical experience as well as ethnic and cultural considerations.
Email: mil.yymok@gmail.com | LinkedIn Profile
Causes and Interests: Immigrant and Refugee Communities
Ali’s educational background includes training as a nurse, with ongoing studies to complete a Masters degree in Sociology. He is a multilingual (Kurdish, Arabic, Farsi and English) social worker who loves the openness and sincerity of the global community and the ability to live in harmony with people from diverse cultures.
Email: ali81uc@gmail.com
Causes and Interests: Social Services (Youth & LGBTQ2+), The Environment, International Organizations
Parisa is a Travel and Tourism teacher and educator and a passionate advocate of applied learning and long-term learner success. She has been a part of cross-cultural global internships and studies, exploring world politics and environmental sustainability. She has also been involved in organizations such as AIESEC, Be the Change, and Love BC and is passionate about empowering young people to practice being civically engaged and globally aware.
Email: p.pajooh@gmail.com | LinkedIn Profile
Causes and Interests: Health, Education and Research, Newcomer and Immigrant Communities, Immigrant Professionals
Faramarz has more than 18 years of experience providing services to individuals, families with diverse backgrounds within an educational and non-educational settings such as the universities, clinics, hospitals, and immigrant serving organizations. He has developed, planned and facilitated various workshops, seminars & information sessions for individuals and their families.
Email: fa_if@yahoo.com
Causes and Interests: Immigrant and Newcomer Communities, Business and Professional Associations
Naweed has more than 13 years of experience in managerial, leadership and administration in Banking, Retail Business and Customer Service. Naweed is committed, dedicated, and hardworking. He obtained his MBA in Leadership and Sustainability from Cumbria University in UK and BBA Degree from Dunya University in Afghanistan.
Email: naweedrahyab2@gmail.com
Causes and Interests: Immigrant and Newcomer Communities, Marketing and Communications
Sweety is a Marketing Communication professional who believes that the written word truly holds a power if communication in the right manner. She holds a Master’s Degree in Business Management with a specialization in Marketing and giving back to the community has always held a special place in her heart.
Email: sweetyrajpal@gmail.com | LinkedIn Profile
Causes and Interests: Mental Health, Women's Education, Newcomer and Immigrant Communities
Rabeya holds an MBA from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth USA and is an experienced Human Resources professional with more than 5 years of diversified work experience in the US and Pakistan. She is passionate about womxn’s mental health and education causes and has regularly served as a mentor to girls in the underprivileged areas of Karachi to help them rise above cultural expectations and legacies.
Email: rabeyarropani@gmail.com | LinkedIn Profile
Causes and Interests: Vulnerable groups, Children & Family Development, Immigrant Professionals, Entrepreneurship
Currently working at KPU, Vero has more than 10 years combined of experience in Employment and Immigrant Services, plus over 15 years in Business Marketing. She holds Psychological First Aid, Mental Health 101, Gender-Based Violence, Diversity, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing degrees, she has been volunteering with MOSAIC, SUCCESS, ISSofBC, WorkBC, Heart and Stroke Foundation, RedCross, and BC Career Development Association. Vero also an author, she's currently working on her training book series for Home Safety Prevention, Keeping Kids Safe, Pre-Schoolers, Children & Youth with Special Needs
Causes and Interests: Diversity and Equality, Law, Politics and Advocacy, Social Services (Women, Immigration, Development, Poverty)
Sochi was born in Mexico City. She has a double major in Political Science and International Studies with a focus on international security form SFU. With over 5 years of government, politics and international development experience while working for different NGO’s, local governments and NATO, she discovered that her goal is to be part of the Canadian Immigration policy-making process. She believes that everyone should be treated equally regarding race, nationality, gender, culture and religion.
Email: 90xruiz@gmail.com | LinkedIn Profile
Causes and Interests: Immigrant and Newcomer Communities
Norbert is a multicultural citizen who grew up, studied, and worked in different countries of the Great Region of Africa (DRC, Burundi & Rwanda) and France. He has a passion for diversity and justice. He holds a post-graduate degree in Planning and Management of Education from the International Institute of Planning/Management of UNESCO and a BA in Geography. He is adamant about supporting community initiatives.
Email: nrutebuka@gmail.com
Causes and Interests: Social Services, Women's Personal and Professional Empowerment
Marialejandra was born in Venezuela and Graduated as a Civil Engineer and worked for 12 years at the national oil company in Venezuela (PDVSA) as a project/construction coordinator. She is a certified Life Coach and Facilitator and worked as a freelance corporate trainer. She is currently working as a part time facilitator for social enterprise Flavours of Hope and as a Program Coordinator for PIRS. She is passionate about well-being, learning, social justice, and women empowerment initiatives.
Email: marevasoy@gmail.com | LinkedIn Profile
Causes and Interests: Health & Policy and Advocacy
Maheshi graduated from University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree focusing on Biology, Psychology and Women & Gender Studies.. She worked for the Kingston Community Health Centre as a Project Coordinator introducing Social Determinants of Health into their client intake system. She recently participated in the LEVEL Youth Policy Program by the Vancouver Foundation. Volunteering and building community have been her personal values.
Email: maheshipbw@gmail.com
Causes and Interests: Immigrant and Newcomer Communities, Health, Sports, Seniors
Vernon is an experienced community coordinator and health promoter in Canadian Chinese society specializing in lifestyle, health and wellness and end of life gift. He graduated from SFU with a Master of Public Health and he aims to explore applied models in promotion and research while connecting diverse stakeholders to enlarge population benefit, especially ethnic groups.
Email: vernonwang2004@gmail.com
Causes and Interests: Immigrant and Refugee Communities
Ali is passionate about volunteering and social work. Heritage and tradition are some of the key tenets of an organization that he established to conserve and foster Tebu heritage and culture. He is a member of the Friends of Vancouver Public Library and he is often volunteering with CCM to distribute food around the city.
Email: alhsk2001@gmail.com
Causes and Interests: Women's Leadership, Education and Research, Science, Health
Sherry is a first-generation immigrant who deeply believes in the power of diversity and globalization. She currently sits as the Senior Account Manager at Mitacs supporting their innovation pipeline. She serves on the UBC China Council as well as the committee for the NEXT leaders initiative at the Business Council of British Columbia. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from UBC and a Bsc from Peking University.
Email: szhao@mitacs.ca | LinkedIn Profile